Tag Archives: Evolve

Resonance by Mary E. Choo

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Evolve

Title: Resonance
Author: Mary E. Choo
In: Evolve (Nancy Kilpatrick)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Vampires
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Edge
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: “Good evening, my dear,” he said to a passing caterer.

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Synopsis

We all resonant together through life, but it takes a very special vampire to recognise this fact. And maybe, just maybe, she’ll be able to use it to make others’ lives better.

Thoughts

I liked the idea in this short tale of vampires being able to sense life forces. It isn’t a new idea, but it was dealt with in a unique way. The fact that it is used in a moment to diagnose cancer, and encourage wildlife to run rampant in a backyard, that was novel and fun.

I liked the idea of feeling the “resonance” in each being. I didn’t absolutely adore the pace and writing style of this short story. Ultimately, it is about rising up against an oppressive regiment and finding power in ones own desires that drives this story. The need to feel and live, even when you are undead. And I loved that message, but I found it a little difficult to be swept away by it.

 <- Mother of Miscreants ReviewThe New Forty Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Mother of Miscreants by Jennifer Greylyn

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Evolve

Title: Mother of Miscreants
Author: Jennifer Greylyn
In: Evolve (Nancy Kilpatrick)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Vampires
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Edge
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: “I need a little break,” she told Lionel, rising gracefully from her chair and glancing meaningfully at the young-seeming man who’d called her mother.

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Synopsis

She is the mother of all vampires, and now, with a little help from her new book, she is working on reconnecting with her children.

Thoughts

This was a different take on the creation of vampires – that they were created by Lilith (the first wife of Adam). That they don’t have to feed on blood. That they are just not understanding their given gifts in the world. It was certainly a take that I enjoyed and found quite refreshing.

I normally find it a little difficult to love vampires – they prey upon humans, and I don’t really find this romantic, classy or fun. So having a short story that says that they don’t have to do this, and still maintains that sense of mystery. I really liked the ideal. Actually, it would be incredibly easy to expand on this and create a full-blown series or, at the very least, novel. Especially since it’s such a novel idea (horrible pun intended).

 <- Chrysalis ReviewResonance Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Chrysalis by Ronald Hore

Book Review, ,
Overview
Evolve

Title: Chrysalis
Author: Ronald Hore
In: Evolve (Nancy Kilpatrick)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Vampires
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Edge
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Lucy wouldn’t come out of the water until he had gone inside.

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Synopsis

Lucy’s parents never really wanted her, and she never really wanted them. But when she starts to undergo a bit of a change… things are all about to change.

Thoughts

I don’t think I’ve ever actually read a story that features a child of a vampire. There are so many about lovers, friends, family… but never one about a child. Nor have I ever read a story in which having a child is actually, well… possible. So this was surprising. And kind of weird to be honest.

From the beginning, it is clear that everything isn’t alright in this household, but, instead of clearly stating that there is a vampire in the house, it is insinuated beautifully. Actually, the word vampire never once is mentioned throughout. It is just hinted at, again and again and again. And then there is the change – and again, nothing is outright stated, but there is this great reading-between-the-lines feeling.

This story is certainly one that is great at showing and not telling. Something that not every good writer is able to do so neatly.

 <- Learning Curve ReviewMother of Miscreants Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

Let the Night In by Sandra Kasturi

Book Review, ,
Overview
Evolve

Title: Let the Night In
Author: Sandra Kasturi
In: Evolve (Nancy Kilpatrick)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Poetry, Vampires
Pace: Slow
Format: Poem
Publisher: Edge
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Hush – he lays you, bitten, down.

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Synopsis

A poem about the secrets in the night and the vampires that live there.

Thoughts

Every now and then it is nice to read a good little poem. And this one fit that bill – it was only four stanzas, and the language utilised is quite evocative. At least, it made me think of shadows whispering along moonlit nights and avenues. Nights where the monsters roam.

This is a nice, simple way to start of the Evolve collection of vampirific short stories. It has all of the darkness and intricacy of a vampire on the prowl, with the sense of mystery and lyricality that I’m beginning to associate with the subgenre.

 <- Evolve ReviewLearning Curve Review ->
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Learning Curve by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Evolve

Title: Learning Curve
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #9.4
In: Evolve (Nancy Kilpatrick)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: EDGE Science Fiction and Fantasy Publishing
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: I waited.

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Synopsis

Zoe teaches a professor not to play with the occult unless he is prepared to deal with the consequences.

Thoughts

Every time I read a short story featuring Zoe Tanaka, I fall a little more in love with her. Her unique outlook and career as a vampire was certainly fascinating in Broken, but it isn’t until you get the privilege of knowing her more that the enigma that is Zoe is truly revealed. Unlike initial impressions (mostly by Elena), Zoe isn’t a weak, scared pushover, she is exactly the opposite. And her ability to manipulate a situation to suit herself, without resorting to violence is a great draw in for her character and the storyline.

I love the idea that, although Zoe is escaping a stalker, the entire story is about teaching the next generation of supernaturals. Her sass and humour at such a task is irreplaceable. But, it is ultimately her willingness to teach others, instead of taking revenge or feeling bitter at her situation that makes me love her even more.

<- AngelicLucifer’s Daughter ->

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